Installing Sentinel Interact Version 3

Transcript

INSTRUCTION Manual Chapter 1 Introduction 5 Chapter 2 Operating Environment 5 Operating System ……………………………………………………………….. 5 Computer …………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Date Setting ………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Installing Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 6 The Setup Installation ………………………………………………………………… Upgrading to the Latest Version 3 Software ……………………………… 6 7 The Initial Run and Software Activation 9 How to Run Sentinel Interact …………………………………………………….. 9 Software Activation …………………………………………………………………….. 10 Store Setup …………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Chapter 5 Using Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 20 Store Functions …………………………………………………………………………… 20 POS Functions …………………………………………………………………………….. 30 Chapter 6 System Configuration 65 System Parameters ……………………………………………………………………. 66 Setting Manager Rights ……………………………………………………………… 66 Setting User Rights ……………………………………………………………………. 67 Chapter 7 Electronic Trails 69 Viewing Log Files ……………………………………………………………………….. 69 Viewing Electronic Journal …………………………………………………………. 69 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting 71 Chapter 9 S.A Cash Register Support Solutions 73 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Fig 3.1 Fig 3.2 Fig 3.3 Setup Screen ………………………………………………………………… Path Settings ……………………………………………………………….. Interact Version 3 Upgrade …………………………………………. 6 7 8 Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 Directory ……………………… 9 Login Screen .……………………………………………………………….. 10 Activation Screen .…………………………………………………………. 11 Software Registration ……………………………………………………. 12 Interact Wizard …………..…………………………………………………. 14 Directing the Wizard ..……………………………………………………. 14 Switching device …….……………………………………………………. 15 Types of Electronic Cash Registers …………….…………………. 15 Store Parameters ……..…………………………………………………….16 Adding a Cash Register .………………………………………………….18 Modem …………………………….……………………………………………….19 Configuring the Modem .………………………………………………….19 Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 Store Functions ……………………………………………………………… 20 Department Data Screen .……………………………………………… 22 PLU Information Screen .………………………………………………. 24 Viewing Store Sales ….…………………………………………………… 26 Dating the Extraction ………………………………………………………27 Interact Reports ………………………………………………………………28 Example of Transaction Report ……………………………………… 29 Example of PLU Programming Report …………………………… 30 Basic Cash Register Functions ……………………………………… 31 Auto Shift Screen …………………..……………………………………… 32 Card Data Screen …………………..……………………………………… 33 Cashier Data Screen ……………………………………………………… 34 Clerk Data Screen ….……………………………………………………… 35 Condiment Data Screen ………………………………………………… 37 Coupon Data Screen ……..……………………………………………… 38 Discount Data Screen ……….…………………………………………… 40 Cheque Endorsements …………..……………………………………… 41 Foreign Change Data Screen ………………………………………… 42 Group Data Screen ……………..………………………………………… 43 Guest Data Screen …………..…………………………………………… 44 HALO Data Screen ………………………………………………………… 45 Lottery Data Screen ……………………………………………………… 46 Macro Data Screen ………………………..……………………………… 47 Mix and Match Data Screen .….…………………………………..… 48 3 Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig Fig 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 5.29 5.30 5.31 5.32 5.33 5.34 5.35 5.36 5.37 Numbered Data Screen ………………………….……………………… 49 PLU Link Data Screen ………….………………………………………… 50 Point Data Screen …………………………………..…………………….. 52 Report Tables Data Screen ……….…………………………………… 53 Tax Data Screen ………………………….………………………………… 54 TOWA SX-680 Flat Keyboard Screen ….………………………… 56 System Flag Screen ………….…………………………………………… 57 Transaction Word Data Screen ……………………………………… 58 Selecting the Information to Import ……………………………… 59 Copying Imported Data ………………………………………………… 60 Path to Logo Program ….………………………………………………… 61 Interact Logo Converter Program.………………………………….62 Cash Register Sales Screen …………………………………………… 63 Chapter 6 Fig 6.1 Fig 6.2 Fig 6.3 System Configuration Screen ………………………………………. 65 Setting Manager Rights ……….………………………………………. 67 Setting User Rights ……….…………………….………………………. 68 Fig 7.1 Fig 7.2 Log Files ……………………………………………………………………….. 69 Electronic Journal .……………………………………………………….. 70 Chapter 7 4 1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing Sentinel Interact Version 3.0, the leading choice in Cash Register communication for TOWA products. The manual has been written to assist the user in getting the most satisfaction out of this product. It explains how to install and use Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 with your P.C. Please read the manual carefully so that you will be able to take the full advantage of the software’s capabilities. This manual should be read in conjunction with using the software. 2. Operating Environment 2.1. Operating System The Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 can be run on any of the following operating systems. Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Windows 98 (Second Edition) Millennium Edition (ME) Windows 2000 Windows XP/Pro 2.2. Computer The software runs on computers that support the operating systems listed above. In addition, the P.C should have at least the following characteristics. Pentium 3 – 800 Mhtz and above 128 MB Ram and above 4.3 GB Hard drive 102 key Keyboard and Mouse 32 Speed C.D Rom (Minimum Requirement) P.C Anywhere Software 2.3. Date Setting To run Sentinel Interact Version 3 correctly, the user will have to change the Date setting on the PC. Correcting the date will depend on your Operating System. Windows 98 – Click on the Start button -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Regional Settings -> Date and change the Short Date Style to DD/MM/YYYY. Windows 2000/ME/XP- Click on the Start button -> Settings or Control Panel (View Dependant) -> Regional and Language Settings -> Regional Options -> Customize -> Date and change the Short Date Style to DD/MM/YYYY. 5 3. Installing Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 3.1. The Setup Installation 1. Explore your Sentinel CD. 2. Open the Sentinel Interact V3.0 folder. 3. Double-Click on the Setup.exe file found within this folder. 4. Please note that the initial setup will copy essential files to your system, and may request the restarting of your P.C. The setup process will then have to be repeated. Fig 3.1 shows the setup screen. 5. Once this is done, ensure that the installation path is C:\Program Files\Sentinel InteractV3\. This is the default setting, but does allow the flexibility to choose your own path. (Fig 3.2 shows this screen) 6. The setup will then continue, and at random may ask you to keep newer files found on your P.C. Please click on Yes, if this is the case. 7. Once the installation is completed, you will have to run the upgrades provided on the C.D. These ensure that you have the latest version of the software. These are found on your C.D in the folder called Upgrade to Interact V3. Fig 3.1 Setup Screen 6 Fig 3.2 Path Settings 3.2 Upgrading to the latest Version 3 Software 1. Open the Upgrade to Interact V3 folder found on the C.D. 2. Execute ALL seven files found within this folder. These are self-extracting files and will be extracted to the default path. The reason for upgrades is that new products and features are continuously being added to Interact. Furthermore, all new enhancements and upgrades are available on the Internet at www.sacashregister.co.za and go to UPGRADES. Please Note: If you had changed the installation path in 3.1.4 above, please ensure that you adjust the path to which the files are extracted. Only the main folder needs to be changed, and not the sub-directories. Example: C:\Program Files\Sentinel InteractV3\Backup is the default path for Int1.exe. If you installed Interact Version 3 in C:\Sentinel\, then the changed path is C:\Sentinel\ Backup. 3. Once you have ensured that the paths are correct, click on the Unzip button. 4. Repeat this process for the remaining files. 5. The last step requires the Upgrading and/or Repairing of the database. 6. Open the folder where Interact Version 3 is installed. 7. Double-Click on the UpgradeV3.exe file found within this folder. By default, the upgrade program will look for the first instance of Sentinel.mdb. 7 Fig 3.3 Interact Version 3 Upgrade 8. On the left hand side of Fig. 3.3, choose the path where Interact Version 3 was installed, namely C:\Program Files\Sentinel InteractV3\Data. 9. Once this path is chosen, click on the Upgrade button. 10. On the completion of the upgrade process, close the program down and you are ready to run Sentinel Interact V3. 8 4. The Initial Run and Software Activation 4.1. How to Run Sentinel Interact There are two ways to run Sentinel Interact Version 3.0. The user may go to: Start -> Programs -> Sentinel Interact -> Click on the Sentinel Interact Icon C:\Program Files\Sentinel InteractV3 and Click on the Sentinel Interact Icon. (Fig 4.1) Fig 4.1 Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 Directory 9 The software will load and following that you will be asked to either activate the program, provided it has not been activated, or for your password (Fig 4.2). The password will determine the type of user that is logging on e.g. a Store Manager. In addition to providing security, the password saves personal settings. Fig 4.2 Login Screen 4.2. Software Activation To obtain the full benefits of using Sentinel Interact Version 3, you must register and activate the software with S.A Cash Register Head Office. The number can be obtained from your friendly dealer. If you do not activate the software, you will only be able to login to the software 30 times, each with limited capabilities. 4.2.1 How Do I Activate My Sentinel Interact Version 3 The first time that the user runs Interact, the software will ask to be activated. (Note: If this does not occur, click on Utilities->Register) The user will have to click on the Register Software button (Fig 4.3). After agreeing to the software licensing, the user will be provided with a Disk Serial Number and Product Serial Number (Fig 4.4). An Activation Code will be provided once the user has 10 contacted the Software Support Department, and quoted these numbers. In the final step, the user must enter this code and click on the Register button. A message with Debtor Mode Enabled will appear. 4.2.2 What Do I need to Activate My Sentinel Interact Version 3 To activate the software, the user must be in possession of the following: The Invoice Number of the transaction (obtained from your S.A Cash Salesperson or Dealer) Disk Serial Number Product Serial Number Fig 4.3 Activation Screen 11 Fig 4.4 Software Registration 4.3 Store Setup Once you have successfully logged into Sentinel Interact Version 3.0, you must create a store, add the additional switching device (multiport controller, dual port RS232 card or manual 4 port switchbox) (in case of multiple cash registers) and Electronic Cash Registers. There are two ways of doing this: 1 The New Sentinel Interact Setup Wizard 2 Manually Attaching a Store with its subsequent devices Both methods will be discussed in detail so that the user can take advantage of Interacts user-friendly features. 4.3.1 The Sentinel Interact Setup Wizard The Sentinel Interact Setup Wizard has been created to assist the user in constructing a basic store with all its attachments. This is an easy process, which takes a few minutes. All that the user needs is: The Name of the Store The total number of PLU’s (Price Lookups) and Departments 12 The Cash Registers Communication settings In case of multiple Cash Registers, which switching device (multiport controller, dual port RS232 card or manual 4 port switchbox) is available? The Name and Number of Cash Registers To access the wizard, click on File-> Wizard or alternately press Ctrl W together. The wizard will then appear (Fig 4.5). The user must click on the Next button to continue, and the user will be asked what the wizard needs to do (Fig 4.6). To create a store, choose the I want to create a Store option, type in the name of the store, and click on the Next button. The user will then have to enter the number of PLU’s and Departments within the store, and the communication settings for the Cash Register. In case of multiple Cash Registers, choose the Add a Switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or a Manual 4 Port Switchbox) to Store option, the store number, and click on the Next button (Fig 4.7). The user will then have to choose the type of switching device (multiport controller, dual port RS232 card or manual 4 port switchbox), and click on the Next button. To add cash registers to the store, choose I want to add an ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) to Store option, the store number, and click on the Next button (Fig 4.8). The user will then have to choose the type of Cash Register, click on the Next button, and if there is a switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox), the number of Cash Registers to attach to the store. Once the user clicks on the Finish button, the setup is complete. 13 Fig 4.5 Interact Wizard Fig 4.6 Directing the Wizard 14 Fig 4.7 Switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox) Fig 4.8 Types of Electronic Cash Registers 15 4.3.2 Manually Creating the Store with its Subsequent Devices The user may want to create the store manually. This is quite simple in Sentinel Interact Version 3. The user needs to know the following information: The Name of the Store The total number of PLU’s (Price Lookups) and Departments The Cash Registers Communication settings In case of multiple Cash Registers, which switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox) is available? The Name and Number of Cash Registers To create a store, the users must Right-Click on the Company, using the mouse, and choose the New Local Store option. The software will enquire if the user is certain about adding a store, so click on the Yes button. The user will have to enter the Store Parameters, which includes the number of PLU’s and Departments for the store, and the Communication settings for the Cash Register (Fig 4.9). If the user wants to duplicate a store, ticking the Copy Info From Store box can do this. Once the user clicks on the Apply button, the store is created. It’s as simple as that. The next question is: Are multiple Cash Registers required in the Store? If YES is the answer to that question Then the next step is the adding on of switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox) if there are multiple Cash Registers. The type of switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox) required for optimum performance will best be determined by your friendly dealer or an S.A Cash Register Salesperson. To add a switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox), Right-Click on the Store, and choose the appropriate device. There are three types of switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or a Manual 4 Port Switchbox), namely: Multiports – which include a 4 Port, 8 Port and a 17 Port Multiport Controller Ports Switch Box - 4 Port Dual-Port Cards (Typically known as Com I and II) Following the adding of the switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox), proceed to adding the Cash Register. 16 Fig 4.9 Store Parameters I want to add a Cash Register. To add a Cash Register in Sentinel Interact Version 3, Right-Click on the Store (if there is a switching device (Multiport Controller, Dual Port RS232 card or Manual 4 Port Switchbox), Right-Click on that and go to Add New POS Terminal and choose the Cash Register that is present in the Store. If there is a scale or printer attached to the Cash Register, Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to Peripheral Devices and choose the device that is to be attached. NB: In case of multiple Cash Registers, repeat the process for each Cash Register (Fig 4.10). Once the process is complete, Left-Click on the Cash Register, and set the Port for each Cash Register. 17 Fig 4.10 Adding a Cash Register I want to access the Cash Register via modem There are certain users that require modem communication with the Cash Register. This section will pertain to them. Firstly, the user must purchase a Cash Register modem from the dealer or salesperson. This modem will be attached to the Cash Register.( Standard Modems will not communicate) Secondly, the PC that has Interact must have a modem, with an outside line. In Interact, the users must Right-Click on the Cash Register and choose the Add Modem option. Next, the users must Right-Click on the Modem, and click on the Configure Modem option (Fig 4.11). Next, the user must enter in the telephone number and click on Apply (Fig 4.12). Right-Click on the modem, then click Dial Modem, and once the connection is successful, all the normal functions of Interact will be available. 18 Fig 4.11 Modem Fig 4.12 Configuring the Modem The initial setup of Interact is now complete. In the next chapter, we will learn to use Interact and explore some of its features. 19 5. Using Sentinel Interact Version 3.0 This chapter covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from setting up your PLU’s and Departments to using the advanced features on the Cash Register. The chapter is split up into Store Functions, functions that control the store and affect all the Cash Registers within the store, and POS Functions (Point of Sale), which are functions specific to each Cash Register. Remember, the POS Functions will only affect the Cash Register that is clicked on and not the other Cash Registers within the Store. 5.1 Store Functions To access the Interact Store Functions, the users must Right-Click on the store in question and choose the desired function (Fig 5.1). These functions are used for all the Cash Registers in the store. If there is a Cash Register that should not be accessed, disable it by Right-Clicking on the Cash Register and choosing the Disable ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option. Fig 5.1 Store Functions 20 5.1.1 Configuring the Departments If the store has different sections e.g. Groceries, Butchery and Bakery, you can divide these sections into Departments, and link items to them. When viewing reports, the user can examine sales figures per department. Interact can create between 40 to 299 departments, and can download these to the Cash Register (Number of departments on the Cash Register depend on the model). To create and amend the departments, the user needs to Right-Click on the store, go to Configure and then click on Configure Departments. The Department Data screen will appear (Fig 5.2). To edit the Department data, simply Left-Click on the Department and adjust the incorrect information. This includes: Department Name- this is the name of the Department. Price- if the user wants a saleable Department, a price maybe entered here. Group- this is the group number to which the Department is linked. HALO- used to control the High Amount Lock Out function on the Cash Register. Department Flags- there are between three and five Department Flags available in Interact (Cash Register dependant), and these control how the Departments work on the Cash Register. Double Left-Click on the Flag to change them for a TX-500/TL-550/SX-580. User must Right-Click on the Flag for the SX-680. By clicking on the Write Departments to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, the amended departments will be transmitted to all the Cash Registers in the store. If the Update ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option is unchecked, the Sentinel Interact information is updated, but no data will be sent to the Cash Register If the Write All Departments to All ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option is checked, all the departments in Interact will be sent to the Cash Register It is also possible to copy Department information by clicking on the Copy Flags button. This includes Flags, Group and HALO information. Interact also allows the user to send a specific range of departments to the Cash Register. When the user clicks on the Copy Flags button, a series of Departments maybe selected to be downloaded to the Cash Register. Once the user clicks on the Write Departments to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, the user must then click on the Clear Range button. 21 The user may also click on the Broadcast button, to send all department information to all Cash Registers simultaneously The final feature on the Department Data Screen is the Department search. The user may go to a certain department by inputting the department number in the Jump to Department box. Fig 5.2 Department Data Screen Once you have completed setting up the departments, the Price Look Up (PLU) items must be created and linked to the departments that have been created. This will be explained in detail in the next section. 22 5.1.2 Configuring the PLU’s The PLU’s (Price Look Ups) are the individual types of items in the store (e.g. a black BIC pen). To change a PLU, the user needs to Right-Click on the store, go to Configure and then click on Configure PLUs. The PLU Information screen will appear (Fig 5.3). To edit the PLU information, simply Left-Click on the PLU and adjust the required information. This includes: Barcode – this is the barcode number on the item. This number will be scanned at the Cash Register. (Symbologies are EAN UPC JAN UPC-A and UPC-E and I 2/5 for SX-680) PLU Name- the name of the item. (12-16 characters maximum depending on model of ECR) Department- this is the department number to which the item is linked (40 –299) Department numbers 100 and 200 are invalid and may not be used ever Group- this is the group number to which the item is linked. Prices- Price Shift 1 contains the standard price of the item. The user may use three other Price Shifts (Cash Register dependant). The SX-680 has 4 price shifts PLU Flags- there are between three to five PLU Flags available in Interact (Cash Register dependant), and these control the PLU workings of the Cash Register. To change the Flag, LeftClick HALO- used to control the High Amount Lock Out function on the Cash Register. Stock Information- used to keep track of the amount of stock of a particular PLU. In addition, Stock Information is used to adjust the number of items coming in or leaving the store. By clicking on the Write PLUs to ECR button, the amended PLU’s will be sent down to all the Cash Registers in the store. If the Update ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option is unchecked, the Sentinel Interact information is updated, but the Cash Register will not be updated with new PLU If the Write PLUs to All ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option is checked, all the PLU’s in Interact will be sent to the Cash Register It is also possible to copy PLU information by clicking on the Copy Flags button. This includes Flags, Department, Group and HALO information. 23 Interact also allows the user to send a specific range of PLU’s to the Cash Register. When the user clicks on the Set Range button, a series of PLU’s can be selected and downloaded to the Cash Register. The final feature on the PLU Information Screen is the PLU search. The user may search via PLU Number, Item Description or the Barcode number. Fig 5.3 PLU Information Screen 5.1.3 Downloading Store Messages Following the setting up of Departments and PLU users may want the Cash Registers to display messages, either on the Cash Register screen or on the ECR Receipt which is given to the customer. Interact provides these features for the user. There are three types of messages that can be sent to the Cash Register (Cash Register Dependant). These are: Display Message- a message that scrolls across the Cash Register when idle Store Logo Message- a message that appears on the top of the customers Receipt Stamp Message- a message that appears on the bottom of the customers Receipt 24 To download Messages to the Cash Register, the user must Right-Click on the store, go to Messages and choose the corresponding message. Once the message has been typed out on the screen, the user must click on the Write to ECR button. 5.1.4 View Sales Data There are certain times when the user wishes to view the amount of sales the store has done. To view the PLU, Department, Transaction and Clerk information from the Cash Registers without clearing the sales on the Cash Registers, the users must Right-Click on the store and choose the View Sales Data option. The Store Sales screen will appear (Fig 5.4). To view the sales, the user must click on the Retrieve Data button. This process may take some time, depending on the number of Cash Registers present in the store. Once the process is complete, the user may click on the tab relating to the information that needs to be viewed. Each tab on the screen will only show that information, and per Cash Register. If the user wishes to view only the PLU and Department sales, click on the Consolidate button. Fig 5.4 Viewing Store Sales 25 5.1.5 Extracting and Clearing the Sales Data For Interact to provide valuable information to the user e.g. sales reports, the sales information from the Cash Registers must be extracted and the Cash Register must be cleared on a daily basis. To do this, the users must Right-Click on the store, and choose the Extract and Clear Sales Data option. The user will then have to choose the date that will contain the sales information (Fig 5.5). Once this is done, click on the Yes, Update Inventory button. When the message Sales Extracted Successfully appears, the sales for that Cash Register have been updated. If not, please contact your dealer or S.A Cash Register. Fig 5.5 Dating the Extraction 5.1.6 Viewing Store Reports The users of Interact may require viewing the financial data of the store. The Cash Registers do provide reports, (Z1 Reports), but these are not as user-friendly or as comprehensive as the reports provided by Interact. However, before the reports may be viewed, the Cash Registers must be extracted and cleared on a regular basis, preferably daily. To view the reports, the users must Right-Click on the store and choose the Store Reports option. The user has a choice of reports that can be viewed or exported. Some of the reports pertain to sales values from the Cash Register, some pertain to stock values and some indicate the information programmed within Interact. 26 The sales reports show consolidated figures, a detailed report per Cash Register, or totals per Cash Register. These reports are date driven. Fig 5.6 Interact Reports The other reports are simple to use, and require the user to just click on the Run Report key. Figure 5.8 shows an example of the Transaction Sales report per Cash Register as of the 18/07/2004. To print the report, click on the print icon To export the file, click on the export icon , if a printer is installed. ; choose the format and the location and click the Ok button. 27 Fig 5.7 Example of Transaction Report 28 Fig 5.8 Example of PLU Programming Report 5.2 POS Functions (Point of Sale Utilities) To access the Interact POS Functions, the users must Right-Click on the Cash Register in question and choose the desired function (Fig 5.1). These functions are used for that specific Cash Register in the store. If there is a Cash Register that is not accessible, enable it by Right-Clicking on the Cash Register and choosing the Enable ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option. 29 Fig 5.9 Basic Cash Register Functions P1 PROGRAMMING 5.2.1 Programming P1 Level To access the P1 level programming for the Cash Register, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the appropriate function. The functions will be discussed in more detail. Note: The Cash Register that has been purchased may not have all the functions that will be stated. To enquire if the Cash Register that has been purchased has certain functions, consult the operations manual or consult with your dealer. 5.2.1.1 Programming AUTO SHIFT (Happy Hour) Data Allows for the programming of a timetable that causes the Cash Register to automatically shift from one price level to another. Both PLU and Departments can be used in the price shift. Please make sure that Auto Shift function has been selected in the Main Flag section of the ECR 30 To access the Auto Shift function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Auto Shift option (Fig 5.10). The user must click on the relevant ID, Set PLU shift and/or Department shift and then set the time of the shift. After all selections are complete, click the Write Auto Shift to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button. Note: Up to sixteen shifts can be selected. Fig 5.10 Auto Shift Screen 5.2.1.2 Programming CARD Data This feature allows for up to 50 different types of credit cards to be used for finalising a transaction. To access the Card Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Card option (Fig 5.11). 31 Two flags are available to select various options for each CARD. To access the flags, the user must Right-Click on the appropriate flag. To amend the Card information, the user must click on the Card Name, enter a name, Right-Click on the flags to select the necessary options and then click Write Card to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER). Fig 5.11 Card Data Screen 5.2.1.3 Programming CASHIER Data A maximum of 10 different cashier names are available for each Cash Register. Each name may be edited and downloaded to the Cash Register. On certain models, which have multi drawer interface, a cashier may be allocated to a specific cash drawer. To access the Cashier Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Cashier option (Fig 5.12). 32 To amend the Cashier data, the user must click on a cashier number; edit the name and then the drawer number. When complete click on the Write Cashiers to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) key. Note: Drawer # 0 is accepted for drawers without multi-drawer interface as drawer number 1. Only the SX-680 can have multi drawer interface. Fig 5.12 Cashier Data Screen 5.2.1.4 Programming CLERK Data A maximum of 50 different Clerk names are available for each Cash Register. Clerk ID numbers up to six digits and clerk names up to eight digits may be programmed per clerk. The SX-680 allows for Commission Rates and up to eight different promotional items, which can be printed on X and Z reports. The promotional items can be a department or PLU To access the Cashier Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Cashier option (Fig 5.13). 33 To amend the Clerk data, the user must click on the ID number required and edit the following fields: ID Name Commission Start Guest End Guest Promotion When complete, the user must click on the Write Clerk Info. to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send the changes to the Cash Register. Fig 5.13 Clerk Data Screen 34 5.2.1.5 Programming CONDIMENT Data Up to 99 condiments can be programmed in Interact. These condiments can be accessed by individual condiment keys or group condiment key on the keyboard of the Cash Register. To access the Condiment Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Condiment option (Fig 5.14). To amend the Condiment data, the user must click on the ID number required and edit the following fields: Alter condiment description Alter flag by Right-Clicking on flag and selecting the action When complete, the user must click on the Write Condiments to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send the changes to the Cash Register. Note: Condiments can be set to print at remote printer either before or after the menu item. Fig 5.14 Condiment Data Screen 35 5.2.1.6 Programming COUPON Data The Coupon feature allows for the giving of a COUPON to a customer. It also includes a name and a message that is printed on the ticket. To access the Coupon Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Coupon option (Fig 5.15). There are also two flags for various functions of the Coupon as well as an expiry date, which will stop the Coupon function from further operation. To amend the Coupon data, the user must edit the following fields: Click on Coupon Title and enter a name for the COUPON. Click on start Value and enter the minimum value for the coupon to function. Selecting 0 means that all sales will generate COUPONS. Click on Minimum value, and enter the minimum value to be printed on each COUPON. Right-Click on flags 1 and 2 and select the required criteria for COUPON to function. Click on expiry date and select the appropriate date for COUPON function to stop functioning. Enter the message, up to three lines of 24 characters per line, that must be printed on the COUPON. When complete, the user must click on the Write Coupon to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send the changes to the Cash Register. Note: Alpha Characters at coupon title and message can be selected as double size providing " ^ " (shift6 key) is used prior to each alpha input. Only 12 characters are the permissible. 36 Fig 5.15 Coupon Data Screen 5.2.1.7 Programming DISCOUNT and PREMIUM Information Various discounts and premiums can be set up on the keyboard to allow for gross or net percentage keys as well as fixed value discount keys. To access the Discount Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Discounts option (Fig 5.16). Attached to each discount field is a flag, which allows for tax selection or food stamp able items Percentage Keys Left-Click on the flag box for the relevant key (+%G -%G +%N -%N Service –1 –2 –3 –4) Select Tax Rate and/or Food Stamp able Click on the Rate box Enter the Rate (e.g. 10 = 10.00 percent) or Discount Value 37 Fixed Value Discounts Click on the HALO box and enter the high amount lock out value if required Left-Click on the flag box for the relevant key Select Tax Rate and/or Food Stamp able At Flag Select Preset and/or not open entry Click on the Price box Enter the discount/premium value When complete, click the Write Discounts to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send the information to the Cash Register. Note: Preset means that the discount value has been set. Not open means that only the prescribed fixed value discount may be activated. HALO means that although a fixed value discount is available a high-end limit can be attached. (E.g. although discounts are not fixed the maximum discount is 99.99%) Fig 5.16 Discount Data Screen 38 5.2.1.8 Programming ENDORSEMENT Messages (Slip Printer Required on ECR) The Endorsement Messages are generally used for endorsing a cheque, job cards etc. Endorsements are only available if a slip printer is attached to the ECR. Up to three lines of text are available. To access the Endorsements function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Endorsements for Cheque option (Fig 5.17). Click on the "Endorsement Message" box and type up to 24 characters in single size or up to 12 characters in double size per line. Double Size characters can be inserted using "^" (Shift 6). Click on Write Endorsements to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send the data to the Cash Register. Fig 5.17 Cheque Endorsements 5.2.1.9 Programming FOREIGN EXCHANGE Rates This function allows for the receiving of foreign currency and for change to be supplied in local currency from a customer. Up to eight different foreign currencies and exchange rates may be programmed in Interact. 39 To access the exchange Rate function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Foreign Exchange Rates option (Fig 5.18). To amend the exchange rate data, click and enter the relevant Currency Name, click on the relevant "Foreign Change Rate" and enter the exchange rate. Set the FC decimals to be printed at the ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) as well as the amount of decimals to be displayed on the screen. Once this is completed, click on the Write Change Rates to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to send the information to the Cash Register. Note: The name of the currency can be programmed to print on the ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) screen and printer by changing FC names at Transaction words at P2 settings. Fig 5.18 Foreign Change Data Screen 40 5.2.1.10 Programming GROUP TITLE Function This function allows for up to sixteen different group titles to be printed at the ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER). Up to 12 characters are available. To access the exchange Rate function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Group Title option (Fig 5.19). To amend the group information, click on the relevant ID number, alter the Group Name and alter the Group number. Once this completed, click on the Write Groups to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to send the changes to the Cash Register. Note: To set the Group Number, first enter the group number and then enter one of the following: 01 = Print Group for Department at ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Printer 12 = Print Group 1 for PLU at ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Printer 22 = Print Group 2 for PLU at ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Printer 31 = Print Group for Department at 80 column printer 42 = Print Group 1 for PLU at 80 column printer 52 = Print Group 2 for PLU at 80 column printer Fig 5.19 Group Data Screen 41 5.2.1.11 Programming GUEST/ ACCOUNT Data This function allows for a Guest (Account) name and number to be sent to the Cash Register. The amounts of guests are only limited by the amount of free memory on the Cash Register. To access the exchange Rate function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Guest option (Fig 5.20). The GUEST memory area can be set to remember all details of purchases by setting the Main Flag on the Cash Register. Deposits for guests/accounts can also be selected by setting Main Flag on the Cash Register. This Main Flag must be set at Main Flag 21 # 1 as 1 To amend information about Guests, click on the required guest number, alter the Guest Track Number (up to 6 digits) and then alter the Guest Name (12 Alpha Characters). The user may then click on either the Update ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option or Write All Guest option. Once this is completed, click on the Write Guests to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to update the Cash Register. Note: The Update ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) option will update all Guest numbers and names. Fig 5.20 Guest Data Screen 42 5.2.1.12 Programming HALO (High Amount Lock Out) Data This function allows for a High Amount Lock Out table for each department, PLU or Negative fixed value key. Up to sixteen Halo’s are programmable in Interact. To access the HALO function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the High Amount Lock Out option (Fig 5.21). To amend the HALO information, click on the relevant HALO number, alter the HALO value and then click on Write HALO to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) key. Fig 5.21 HALO Data Screen 5.2.1.13 Programming LOTTERY Data Screen The lottery system is based on permutations over a given period. Each lottery can have a minimum spend amount to enter coupled with winning odds. Furthermore, each lottery can have a maximum amount of wining tickets selected. To access the Lottery function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Lottery option (Fig 5.22). 43 To create each of the eight lotteries’, click on the corresponding lottery and then the lottery title to give it a name. The user must then click on the minimum value for lottery and enter the minimum spend value. Following this, the user must click on Maximum winning tickets and enter the required number. Click on odds, enter the correct permutation (this is usually based on the number of customers anticipated over the lottery period), click on Message 1-3 and enter the required message, as Each Winning Lotto ticket can have a message printed up to 24 characters long. To program the Flags, Right-Click on Flags 1-2 and select the appropriate criteria for lottery function to operate (Flag 1 and 2 are specific for all 8 lotto’s). Finally, the user must click on start lotto date and click the date that the lotto should start and then the lotto end date and click the date that the lotto should end. Note: Alpha Characters can be selected as double size providing shift6 is used prior to each character. Fig 5.22 Lottery Data Screen 5.2.1.14 Programming MACRO Data The Macro function allows for between 1-64 Macros to be programmed. A MACRO key is essentially a key, which allows for up to eight actions to be included as a single action on the keyboard. 44 To access the Macro function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Macro Keys option (Fig 5.23). To program a Macro, Click on the relevant Macro number, and then Click on Macro Key1 and the corresponding function for Macro key 1. If the user wants more functions, click on Macro Key2 and the corresponding function for macro key 2. This process must be repeated, depending on the number of actions required. Remember, a maximum of eight actions are available per Macro. When complete click on the Write Macros to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to download the information to the Cash Register. Fig 5.23 Macro Data Screen 45 5.2.1.15 Programming Mix and Match Data Interact allows for 1-99 mix and match keys. A Mix & Match key essentially allows for automatic reductions in price per PLU or Department depending on the programmed reduction amount. This reduction will be set as per the quantities sold per line item. Mix and Match can be either a Department or PLU. To access the Mix and Match function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Mix ‘n Match option (Fig 5.24). An Example of Mix and Match PLU 1 sells for 4.99. After every 10 sales of PLU 1 generate a discount as per the value set at reduction amount. To program the Mix and Match data, the user must click on the relevant Mix & Match key, select what type of Mix and Match is required and then: Enter the discounted price Enter Quantity for automatic discount Once completed, click on Write Mix ‘n Match to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to download to the Cash Register. 46 Fig 5.24 Mix and Match Data Screen 5.2.1.16 Programming NUMBERED TICKET Interact has the feature to program a separate numbered ticket. The ticket can have a start number as well as a three-line message. The start number can be up to 4 numbers long. The user can specify criteria for the Numbered Ticket by altering Flags 1 and 2. To access the Numbered Ticket function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Numbered Ticket option (Fig 5.25). To program the Numbered Ticket in Interact, click on ticket title and enter the required name. The user can program the starting number by entering up to four digits. The user must then click on Number of copies and enter the amount of copies that the Cash Register must produce. Right-Click on Flags 1 and 2 to select the numbered ticket criteria and then click on Message 1 to 3 and enter up to 24 characters on each line which is to be printed on the numbered ticket. Note: Alpha Characters at ticket title and message can be selected as double size providing "^" (shift6) is used prior to each character. Only 12 characters are the permissible. 47 Fig 5.25 Ticket Data Screen 5.2.1.17 Programming PLU Link Data Interact allows various items to be linked to a single PLU. There are two types of PLU link: A: UP to 30 links can be linked on the standard way which caters for up to 5 PLU numbers to be linked to a master PLU and can include inventory control B: UP to 99 links can be linked on the bottle way which caters for one PLU number to be linked to another and can include inventory control To access the PLU Link function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the PLU Linking option (Fig 5.26). To program the linking, Click on the PLU Link number, Click on Standard or Bottle Link, Click on PLU and Enter the PLU number. Click on Quantity and enter the Quantity to be deducted. Click on the Price of the PLU and enter the Price. When complete click on Write PLU Links to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button. Note: Only one kind of PLU Linking is accepted per Cash Register. Choose either Standard or Bottle link. Fig 5.26 PLU Link Data Screen 48 5.2.1.18 Programming POINT Data This feature allows loyalty points to be awarded per sale. The loyalty points will be printed on each ticket, which the customer may claim back. The Point has a name and expiry date as well as flags, which will select the criteria for the points to be issued. To access the Point function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Point option (Fig 5.27). To edit the Point Data, the user must click on the Point name and enter the Point Name (up to 24 characters long) to be printed on the receipt. Click on the expiry field and enter one of the following: Zero means no expiry for points 1 to 99 means the amount of valid months for points to be issued mmdd means the month and date at which point should stop operating To edit the Point flags, Right-Click on flag 1 or 2 to select the criteria for the POINT to function. Finally, the user must click on Point amount and select the required amount of Points. When completed, click on Write Point to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to download to the Cash Register. Note: Alpha Characters at point name can be selected as double size providing " ^ " (shift6) is used prior to each character. Only 12 characters are the permissible. 49 Fig 5.27 Point Data Screen 5.2.1.19 Programming REPORT Tables Interact allows for 1-16 different types of reports to be issued at X1; Z1; X2 and Z2 positions on the Cash Register. Each report can have up to 22 different reports To access the Report Table function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Report Tables option (Fig 5.28). To edit the Report Table information, the user must click on the relevant Report number (from 1-16), and click on the various categories to print for each report. Once completed, click on Write Tables to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to download to the Cash Register. To Test the Report Table Function: Turn the key on the Cash Register to Z1 and press 1 then CASH TEND. Depending on what reports have been selected, these will print. 50 Fig 5.28 Report Tables Screen 5.2.1.20 Programming TAX Data Interact allows for programming of various TAX rates on the Cash Register. There are many different kinds of Taxes available per COUNTRY. Interact allows for up to four different Tax Rates To access the Tax Data function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P1 Level Information and choose the Tax option (Fig 5.29). To change the tax settings: Click on the tax type applicable (Percent; Table; Special Table), Click on Tax Level (Tax 1-4), change Tax limit (if necessary), Change Numerator (if necessary) Change Denominator (if necessary) Click on the Tax Rate and set Click on Tax Table and set (if necessary) When complete, click the Write Tax Tables to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button, to send to the Cash Register. Note: Taxes can be set as ADD ON GST, PST, or VAT. 51 Fig 5.29 Tax Data Screen 52 P2 PROGRAMMING 5.2.2 Programming P2 Level To access the P2 level programming for the Cash Register, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P2 Level Information and choose the appropriate function. The functions will be discussed in more detail. 5.2.2.1 KEYBOARD Layout Interact can alter the layout of the keys on your Cash Register. This is a very helpful feature as the user may configure the keys on the Cash Register according to their personal settings. Before accessing the feature, the user must know whether the Cash Register has a Flat Keyboard or a Raised Keyboard. To access the Keyboard function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P2 Level Information and choose either the Raised Keyboard or the Flat Keyboard option (Cash Register Dependant). To operate the Keyboard function, the user must click on the key that needs to be changed, and click on either the Function box or one of the Special data (e.g. PLU) options. If the user clicks on one of the Special data options, a number must be entered in the corresponding box (e.g. 52 for PLU 52). The user must click on Write to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) when complete. 53 Fig 5.30 Towa SX-680 Flat Keyboard Screen 5.2.2.2 Programming System Main Flags Please Note: Before altering any of the System Main Flags, consult the dealer or S.A Cash Register for advice. Remember, the Main Flags have already been configured by the dealer to meet most of the users needs. Changing them will affect the way your Cash Register operates. In addition, some of the Cash Registers communication flags to the PC are set in the Main Flags section. Any alteration to these will definitely result in total loss of communications with your Cash Register. The purpose of the main flags is to set up the core working conditions of your Cash Register. In general, once main flags have been set there is usually no need to alter, unless adding new hardware. To access the Main Flag function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P2 Level Information and choose the System Flags option (Fig 5.31). 54 To operate the Main Flag function, the user must click on the Flag that needs to be changed, and click on the correct flag settings on the right hand side. Once completed, the user must click on Write Flags to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) to download to the Cash Register. Fig 5.31 System Flag Screen 5.2.2.3 Programming TRANSACTION Word Data Interact has the facility to change the Transaction Word Data produced by the Cash Register. These are the words that are printed on the ticket and the screen of the ECR. Transaction words can be altered to suit the customer or store. In some cases, it may be necessary to alter these words so that the language may be understood by the customers. To access the Transaction Word function, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program P2 Level Information and choose the Transaction Words option (Fig 5.32). 55 In order to change a word, highlight the relevant name and type in the new name at the Transaction Name field. By clicking on the Report Names button, the user may change the actual names that are present in the Transaction Report. After all words have been changed click on the Write Transactions to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button to download to the Cash Register. The new Transaction Words will be sent to the Cash Register. Fig 5.32 Transaction Word Data Screen 5.2.2.4 Importing Cash Register Data There are instances where the user might want to import the information (this includes PLU, Department, P1 and P2 Information) from the Cash Register into Interact. In Interact, this can be done at the touch of a button. All the user has to do is to Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, and choose the Import POS Terminal Function Programming option. Following 56 this, the user must select the information that is to be imported (Fig 5.33). Once this is done, the user must click the Yes, Retrieve Data button. The importing takes a bit of time, depending on how much of information is present in the Cash Register, so please be patient. When the process is complete, the user will be asked to overwrite the existing data. Fig 5.33 Selecting the Information to Import If there is more than one Cash Register, the user may send the information to the other Cash Registers. All the user has to do is to Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, and choose the Copy Imported Data to POS Terminal Network option (Fig 5.34). Once the user clicks the Write ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Information button, the other Cash Registers are updated. 57 Fig 5.34 Copying Imported Data 5.2.2.5 The GRAPHIC LOGO Function Interact has the ability to send down a graphic logo to the Cash Register. What this means is that when an ECR receipt is issued to a customer, it will have a picture (maybe the stores logo) at the top. This adds a great deal of professionalism. However, this graphic logo must be setup before it can be downloaded to the Cash Register. Firstly, the path to the Logo converter program must be set. The user must click on File at the top of the Interact main screen and choose System Configuration (alternatively, the user may click on the Ctrl and C buttons). The user must then click on the Location of Files tab and set the path in the Graphic Logo Creator field (Fig 5.35). This will be the path where your Interact is installed (e.g. c:\Program Files\Sentinel Interact\) and Log_Cnv.exe. Once this is done, click the Apply button and the Ok button. The path is now set. Following this, the user must configure the picture. It must be a picture of type Bitmap (BMP). The user may configure it in a program such as Microsoft Paint. The user must load the picture, click on Image and then Attributes. The width of the bitmap must be 384 pixels and the height must be 220 58 pixels. No other size will work. The colours must be set to Black and White, and the picture must be saved. Note: Please remember the path where the picture is saved. Fig 5.35 Path to Logo Program The user must then return to Interact, click on the Utilities option on the main screen, and choose the Interact Graphic Logo Maker option (alternatively click the F3 button). The Interact Logo Converter program will then be loaded (Fig 5.36). Choose the path to the file, the type of Cash Register and click the Convert Bitmap button. 59 Fig 5.36 Interact Logo Converter Program Lastly, the user must download the logo to the Cash Register. Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to POS Terminal Function Programming, go to Program Special Area and choose the Graphic Logo option. This process takes some time, so be patient. Following this, the logo should print on the next Transaction. 5.2.3 Other POS Functions This section will elaborate on the other Cash Register functions, most of which are the same as those discussed at Store Level. The only difference is that at the Cash Register level, as discussed earlier, it will only work for that particular Cash Register. Fig 5.9 shows these functions. 5.2.3.1 Extracting and Clearing a Cash Register There are situations where the user may want to extract and clear only a particular Cash Register. All the user has to do is Right-Click on the Cash Register and choose the Extract and Clear Sales Data option. Following this, the user must choose the appropriate date and click the Yes, Update Inventory button. To examine the sales, the user must still view the Store Reports. 60 5.2.3.2 Viewing the Sales of a Cash Register There are situations where the user may want to view the sales of a particular Cash Register. All the user has to do is Right-Click on the Cash Register and choose the View Sales Data option (Fig 5.37). Following this, the user must choose the appropriate information that is required and click the Read Sales button. To examine the sales, the user must click on the appropriate Tabs, depending on which information is required to be viewed. Fig 5.37 Cash Register Sales Screen 61 5.2.3.3 Programming Cash Register Message Most users want the Cash Registers to display messages, either on the Cash Register or on the Till slip given to the customer. Interact provides these features for the user at Store and Cash Register Level. There are two types of messages that maybe downloaded to the Cash Register (Cash Register Dependant). These are: Display Message- a message that scrolls across the Cash Register when not in operation Store Logo Message- a message that appears on the top of the customers receipt after a sale To download Messages to the Cash Register, the user must Right-Click on the Cash Register, go to Program Messages and choose the corresponding message. Once the message has been typed out on the screen, the user must click on the Write to ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) button. 62 6. System Configuration Your Interact program must be configured to suit the needs of your store. To do this, the user has to alter the way the Interact is currently configured. This section is about how to alter these settings. Firstly, to access the System Configuration Screen, the user must click on File (this is at the top of the Interact Main Screen) and choose the System Configuration option (alternatively, the user can click on the Ctrl and C keys). This launches the System Configuration Screen as shown in Fig 6.1. There are many different configuration settings to choose from, and these will be discussed in detail. Fig 6.1 System Configuration Screen 63 6.1 System Parameters There are two options to set in the System Parameters, the Local Polling Interval and the ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Timeout Interval. Local Polling Interval – Interact can continually send changes to the Cash Register. This is known as Polling. These include Price changes and Promotions from the Sentinel BackOffice Software Package. The user can specify the interval between Polling by changing the Local Polling Interval. This interval is set in minutes. ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Timeout Interval – This interval specifies the number of seconds that Interact will wait for a Cash Register to respond to a request. If the Cash Register does not respond by the time the ECR (ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER) Timeout Interval is reached, Interact will proceed to the next Cash Register. 6.2 Setting Manager Rights Interact allows different users to have access to certain features. The manager rights are the access rights that the owner of the store allows the store manager to have. The manager rights are divided into: General Functions – Whether BackOffice is installed, whether users can update PLU and Department information and whether Cash Registers may only be updated once a day. P1 Functions – Which P1 functions managers are allowed to edit in Interact. P2 Functions – Which P2 functions managers are allowed to edit in Interact. Multiport – Set which peripheral devices managers are allowed to delete in Interact. 64 Fig 6.2 Setting Manager Rights 6.3 Setting User Rights Interact allows different users to have access to certain features. The user rights are the access rights that the owner of the store allows the general users to have. The user rights are divided into: General Functions P1 Functions – Which P1 functions users are allowed to edit in Interact. P2 Functions – Which P2 functions users are allowed to edit in Interact. Store Rights – Which store functions users are allowed to access and utilize. POS Terminal Rights – Which Cash Register functions users are allowed to access and utilize. Multiport – Set which peripheral devices users are allowed to delete in Interact. 65 Fig 6.3 Setting User Rights 66 7. Electronic Trails Interact allows the user to trace every download, change and alteration of information that has occurred. It also allows the user to view changes and alterations done on the Cash Register (Cash Register must have Electronic Journal Feature). This is done in two ways, the Log Files and the Journal Files. 7.1 Viewing Log Files The Log Files allow the owner or manager to keep track of all changes initiated in Interact and to check that all successful extractions for the relevant dates have taken place. Interact will state “Sales Extracted Successfully” if they were successful or “Clear fail” if unsuccessful. To access the log files, the user must click on the File menu and choose View/ Print Logs. The log files screen will appear (Fig 7.1). Click the correct date on the left, and the log file information will appear on the right hand side. The user may print the log file. Fig 7.1 Log Files 67 7.2 Viewing Electronic Journal The Electronic Journal Files allow the owner or manager to keep track of all changes and transactions that have taken place on the Cash Register. The user must ensure that the Cash Register does have the Electronic Journal Feature and during the extraction and clear operation, the journal is being extracted. Electronic journals are only available for TL-550 and TX-500 To access the Electronic Journal files, the user must click on the File menu and choose View/ Print Journal. The View Journal files screen will appear (Fig 7.2). Click the correct file on the left, and the Journal information will appear on the right hand side. The user may print the Journal file. Fig 7.2 Electronic Journal 68 8. Troubleshooting The information in this chapter will help the user solve the most frequent problems that may be experienced. If you can’t find the solution to your problem here, contact the dealer or S.A Cash Register. Software Does Not Load There are many reasons for this happening. Check if you have installed the software exactly the way explained in Section 3.1. Confirm that you have unzipped the upgrades to the correct folder. Check if you have done the upgrade exactly the way explained in Section 3.2. Confirm that your operating system is working correctly. Make sure that you have Windows 98 Second Edition or above. Check if the C.D does not have corrupted files. Software Loads but I Get an Error with my Database This error occurs when you have loaded the software correctly, but have forgotten to do the upgrade. See Section 3.2 for an explanation on how to do an Upgrade. When I run my reports, No information appears or I get an error There are two likely reasons for this occurring: Your Date format is incorrect. See Section 2.3 on how to setup your Date format. The Report files and some of its dependencies are corrupted. You will need to run Int1.exe and Int3.exe again. If the problem persists, make a note of the files that are missing/corrupted, and contact the dealer or S.A Cash Register. I have setup everything correctly, but I cannot communicate with my Cash Register There are a number of likely reasons for this: Make sure your Cash Register and the Interact software are configured for the same communication settings and communication ports. Contact your dealer or S.A Cash Register on more information about this. Perform a P2 reset on the Cash Register. This entails the user turning the key to P2 position, switching off the Cash Register for 5 seconds and then switching it on. Try to communicate again. A P2 restores all programmed communication ports Check up the cables at the back of your PC, and make sure they are connected correctly. 69 Make sure that your switching device (multiport controller, dual port RS232 card or manual 4 port switchbox) is on. If it is, put it off for five seconds and put it back on. Make sure the cables are correctly connected to it. Shut down your PC and restart. 70 9. S.A Cash Register Support Solutions S.A Cash Register is committed to excellent service. Our goal is to provide the user with professional assistance in the use of our software and services. Technical Support and Customer Service solutions vary by location and according to your service and maintenance agreement. For more information, please feel free to contact the dealer from whom the software has been purchased or alternatively, contact S.A Cash Register. 9.1 Interact Upgrades S.A Cash Register has a service, which provides the user with the ability to download upgrades of the Internet. This maybe obtained at: http://www.sacashregister.co.za Follow the steps below to update your Sentinel Interact Version 3.0: Click on the Int1 file and Save it to a specific location. Repeat this process for each of the files. Once completed, Double-Click on each of the files and Unzip them. Run a normal Upgrade. (To find out how to run an Upgrade, see Section 3.2) When the upgrade has been completed, your Sentinel Interact will be up-to-date. 9.2 Support for old and discontinued versions Once a new version (upgrade) of your product is released, technical support will continue to be provided for the previous version (s) for a limited time after the release of the new version. Technical support may still be available on the S.A Cash Register web site. When S.A Cash Register announces that a product will no longer be marketed or sold, fee based technical support will be discontinued. Support will only be available for discontinued products as documentation posted on the S.A Cash Register web site. 71